One of the most common questions people ask before starting a project is, “How much does interior design cost?” It is an important question, and also one that does not have a one-size-fits-all answer.
Interior design is a multilayered process. The cost depends on the scope of work, the size of the home, the level of detail involved, the quality of materials and furnishings desired, the amount of construction coordination needed, and the level of service required to bring the project from concept to completion.
A single-room furnishing project, a kitchen renovation, a primary bathroom remodel, a full-home renovation, and a new construction home all require different levels of planning, documentation, sourcing, coordination, and execution. Because of that, the design fee and overall project investment can vary significantly.
Design Fees Are Based on Scope
At R Johnston Interiors, our design fees are based on the time we estimate it will take to complete your scope of work and properly execute the design. This includes the creative work, planning, drawings, selections, sourcing, meetings, coordination, revisions, specifications, and project support needed for your specific project.
A more complex renovation may require space planning, cabinetry design, lighting plans, finish selections, plumbing and appliance specifications, coordination with a contractor or architect, and detailed construction drawings. A furnishings project may involve furniture layouts, custom upholstery, rugs, window treatments, art, accessories, procurement, tracking, and installation.
Both are design projects, but the work involved is very different.
That is why we begin with conversations about your goals, scope, timeline, and budget before determining the right design fee.
Budget and Scope Go Hand in Hand
Some clients come to us with a set budget already in mind. Others know what they want to accomplish but are not sure what the project should realistically cost. Both are completely normal.
If you have a budget, we want to understand it. A clear budget helps us guide the design in a way that aligns with your priorities and investment level. It allows us to talk honestly about where to spend, where to save, and how to make thoughtful decisions without losing sight of the overall vision.
If you do not know your budget yet, we can help you think through it. Based on the scope you are describing, the size of the project, the level of customization, and the quality of materials or furnishings you are expecting, we can help develop a ballpark understanding of what may be realistic.
The more open the conversation is, the better we can help you determine whether the scope, budget, and expectations are aligned.
Construction Costs Are Separate
It is important to understand that design fees are separate from construction costs, furnishings, materials, and other project expenses.
We do not provide formal construction estimates. That is the role of a licensed contractor or builder. However, because we work closely with contractors, trades, vendors, and trusted partners, we often have a strong understanding of how certain decisions may impact the overall investment.
When helpful, we may run numbers or scope questions by trusted construction partners to get their current perspective based on labor rates, materials, availability, and market conditions. This can help inform early budget conversations, but final construction pricing should always come from the contractor responsible for the work.
Why an Honest Budget Conversation Matters
Some clients hesitate to share a budget because they worry it is too low, too high, or that sharing a number means every dollar will automatically be spent. That is not how our studio approaches design.
We take budgets seriously. Our job is to help you understand how your goals and investment level align. If the wish list is larger than the budget, we will talk about where to pull back, where to be cost-effective, and where to prioritize so the most important spaces are not shortchanged.
A good design process is not about spending for the sake of spending. It is about making smart decisions that support the way you want to live in your home.
The Real Answer
So, how much does interior design cost? It depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
The best way to understand the cost of your project is to start with a clear conversation about scope, budget, timeline, quality level, and expectations. From there, we can help determine the design services needed, estimate the design fee, and guide you toward a more realistic understanding of the overall project investment.
Interior design is both creative and practical. A successful project requires vision, planning, organization, and open communication about the numbers. When those pieces come together, the result is a home that feels beautiful, functional, personal, and thoughtfully worth the investment.
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